Who painted Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?)?

Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?) was painted by Joris Hoefnagel in 1594.

Where can I see Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?)?

Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?)?

Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?) is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?)

Joris Hoefnagel , 1594

Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?) is a gouache drawing by the Renaissance artist Joris Hoefnagel. It dates from 1594 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1594 by Joris Hoefnagel, a Flemish artist, *Plate 36: Five Fish, Including Carp(?)* is a watercolor and gold paint drawing on parchment, exemplifying the artist's blend of artistic and scientific skills in natural history illustration.

Subject & Meaning

The piece depicts five diverse fish in a serene, shallow pool with a sandy bottom, showcasing Hoefnagel's detailed observation of natural subjects. The species are rendered with varied colors and patterns, one notably having dark spots and a long tail.

Technique & Style

Hoefnagel employed watercolor for the fish and their environment, achieving lifelike detail. A gold circle frames the scene against a light background, adding a luxurious element. The use of glazing techniques likely contributed to the depth and vibrancy of the colors.

History & Provenance

As one of the last manuscript illuminators, Hoefnagel's work influenced the development of topographical drawing and floral still-life in northern Europe. This piece specifically highlights his contribution to natural history illustration.

Context

*Plate 36* reflects the late 16th-century interest in detailed natural observation, bridging artistic expression and scientific documentation, characteristic of the period's scholarly and artistic pursuits.

Legacy

Through works like *Plate 36*, Hoefnagel played a role in transitioning from manuscript illumination to independent genres like floral still-life, impacting the evolution of northern European art.